The community is invited to enjoy casual fellowship with members of the local horse community and meet the University of South Carolina Aiken's championship equestrian riders at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, for "The Mane Event" at Bruce's Field at the Aiken Horse Park, 931 Powderhouse Road SE.
The event is sponsored by USC Aiken Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann and his wife, Claudia, along with Mr. Jack Wetzel, a local equestrian enthusiast and philanthropist.
"We're honored to have friends like Mr. Jack Wetzel and so many others who are willing to donate their time and resources to support USC Aiken's powerful equestrian programs," said Debbie Boggs, event co-chair. "We're inviting the community to share in that success and lend their support for our elite riders and our university on Oct. 25."
The event celebrates the success of USC Aiken's equestrian program, including the eventing team's first United States Eventing Association Intercollegiate National Championship in 2023, and participation in the United States Polo and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's National Championship in 2022 and 2023.
USC Aiken dominated headlines following the eventing team's national championship win in May. The smallest team in the field, USC Aiken riders outperformed Auburn University and the University of Kentucky in the final competition round to secure the win.
"We're fortunate to have riders of this caliber living and working in our community and bringing recognition and prominence to our city," said Wetzel. "Our hope is to further cultivate and build that community so riders from across the nation will choose USC Aiken and our community as the place to sow their roots."
Platinum sponsors for the event, along with USC Aiken and Wetzel, include Dr. Liz Stewart, Ms. Ann E. Perryman, and Ms. Billie Murphy.
Tickets are $50 for non-USC Aiken employees and alumni and can be purchased at www.usca.edu/equestrian by Oct. 18.
To donate or become a sponsor, contact Wesley Brown at (803) 641-3417 or Wesley.brown@usca.edu.